Aaron Hernandez removed from video games as Pats fans turn in his jersey

The popular video games “Madden NFL 25” and “NCAA Football 14” are scrubbing any trace of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, a spokesperson for EA Sports, maker of the games, told CBSSports.com Monday. An image of Hernandez, who is charged with murder in the death of Odin Lloyd, still appears in “NCAA Football 14” as a Nike Skills Trainer reward for an achievement, but EA Sports said his image will be removed soon. “Because ‘NCAA Football 14’ was finalized prior to our decision, Hernandez’s image still appears in the Nike Skills Trainer,” said the company flack. “However, he is not in the game, and anyone who unlocks that particular Nike Skills Trainer reward will receive an Alex Smith Ultimate Team player item instead. The image of Hernandez will be removed via a Title Update in the near future.” Hernandez, who signed a five-year, $39 million contract with the Patriots last August, is sitting in jail and the prospects for his release any time soon seem dim. Meanwhile, more than 2,500 Pats fans stood in line at the Patriots ProShop over the weekend to take advantage of the team’s offer to exchange Hernandez jerseys for those of other players on the roster. (Considering that Hernandez jerseys are fetching a lot of money online, 2,500 seem like a good turnout.) Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork was the most popular replacement jersey, we’re told, followed by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Stevan Ridley, and Chandler Jones. A Pats spokesperson said the swap cost the team $250,000.